How to Clean a Deck Without a Pressure Washer (It Works!)

How I Cleaned My Deck Before Owning a Pressure Washer

Before I finally got my hands on a pressure washer, I had to get creative when it came to keeping my deck clean. And let me tell you—it’s absolutely possible to get great results without one. Whether you’re avoiding a big purchase or just want to skip the noise and hassle, there’s a simple, low-tech way to clean your deck that works.

I used a bucket, some good old-fashioned elbow grease, and the right cleaner to make my weathered boards look fresh again. And honestly? It was kind of satisfying doing it all by hand. It gave me a chance to get outside, take my time, and really see what condition the wood was in.

What You’ll Need to Get Started (No Fancy Tools)

You don’t need any special equipment—just a few affordable supplies and some basic cleaning know-how:

1. A stiff deck brush or push broom (something with strong bristles)
2. Large bucket for mixing your cleaning solution
3. Oxygen bleach or deck-safe cleaner
   👉 I personally recommend the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner—it cuts through algae, mold, and grime with barely any scrubbing
4. Garden hose with a spray nozzle
5. A pair of gloves and old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
6. Optional: a long-handled brush to save your knees and back

Skip harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach—it’s not safe for your deck or the plants around it. Stick with something that’s tough on dirt but gentle on wood.

Step-by-Step: How I Cleaned My Deck Without a Pressure Washer

Once I had all my supplies ready, here’s the exact method I used:

1. Clear the deck – I moved any furniture, flower pots, and random clutter off the deck so I had a clean slate.
2. Sweep it down – I used a stiff broom to get rid of leaves, dirt, and cobwebs.
3. Mix the cleaning solution – I followed the label instructions and mixed up a batch of 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner in my bucket.
4. Scrub section by section – I worked in small areas, dipping my brush in the cleaner and scrubbing in the direction of the wood grain.
5. Let it sit a bit – Letting the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes helped lift deeper stains.
6. Rinse thoroughly – I used my hose with a nozzle to wash off the suds and grime completely.

It took a little time, but the difference was night and day—and it felt good knowing I didn’t need to rent or buy anything big and bulky to do it.

Stubborn Spots? Here’s What Helped Me

Even without a pressure washer, I ran into a few spots where the grime was more stubborn—especially under planters and in shady areas where algae loves to grow. What helped?

• Oxygen bleach paste – I made a paste with less water and let it sit directly on the stain for 10 minutes before scrubbing again.
• Repeat cleaning – For some patches, I just repeated the steps above a second time.
• Switching to a narrow brush – Getting into corners or tight spots worked better when I used a handheld scrub brush instead of the broom.

And for areas with green or black algae streaks, the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner absolutely did the heavy lifting. It’s now my go-to even when I do use a pressure washer—it just works.

Bonus Tip: Add a Deck Cleaner to Your Garden Sprayer

If you’re working with a large deck—or just want to save your back—you can speed things up using a garden sprayer. I grabbed one I already had in the shed and filled it with the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner. It was way easier to coat the boards evenly, especially in corners and under railings.

Spray it down, let it sit a few minutes, and then scrub as needed. It’s not just for siding—it works wonders on wood decks too. If you haven’t seen the article on how to clean vinyl siding, that cleaner pulls double duty for both projects.

Why I Held Off on Using a Pressure Washer

Before I bought a pressure washer, I honestly thought I needed one right away for everything. But sometimes, using one can actually damage softer wood or chip paint if you’re not careful.

That’s why I first cleaned my deck the old-fashioned way—and it worked just fine. I didn’t have to worry about water blasting under the siding or damaging the grain. Sure, a good one like the Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer is now part of my tool lineup, but if you’re just starting out or doing maintenance, scrubbing by hand still gets the job done.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Clean

Cleaning your deck doesn’t need to be high-tech or expensive. I’ve done it the old-school way many times—scrub brush, bucket, and the right cleaner like the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner. It’s budget-friendly and gets the job done, especially if you’re just freshening things up after a long winter or a stormy season.

Eventually, I did pick up a Westinghouse ePX3500 Pressure Washer for those bigger messes, but honestly, you don’t need to wait on a fancy tool to get your deck looking great. If you’re into easy DIY wins like this, check out my article on how to clean algae off vinyl siding too—it’s a similar process, and you’ll love how fresh everything feels when it’s done.

With just a little elbow grease, your deck will be looking brand new—no pressure washer needed.

Can You Use Vinegar to Clean a Deck Without a Pressure Washer?

Absolutely—and I’ve done it. White vinegar is a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals. I usually mix one part vinegar to two parts warm water in a bucket. If there’s mold or mildew, I go heavier on the vinegar. Pour it on the trouble spots, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub it with a stiff brush. It’s safe for plants and doesn’t leave any strange smells behind. For me, this works especially well in shady areas where moisture tends to stick around.

Don’t Forget About Sealing After You Clean

Once your deck is clean and dry, it’s the perfect time to apply a sealer. I’ve skipped this step before and regretted it—moisture and grime build up way faster on unsealed wood. You don’t need to go fancy. Even a basic water-based sealant applied with a roller or brush makes a big difference. I usually wait a day or two after cleaning before sealing to make sure the wood is totally dry. This step keeps all that hard work from going to waste.

How Often Should You Clean Your Deck Without a Pressure Washer?

In my experience, if you don’t own a pressure washer, you’ll want to give your deck a good deep clean at least once or twice a year. I usually tackle it in the spring after all the winter mess and again in the fall before snow or rain hits. Spot cleaning throughout the summer helps a lot too—especially under planters or grills. It’s a lot easier to scrub a little now than to deal with a full-blown algae takeover later. I also check corners and shaded areas more frequently since they tend to stay damp longer.

Want an Easier Way Next Time? What I Use Now

While I started out scrubbing by hand, I eventually upgraded to something that made my life a lot easier: the Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer. It’s affordable, powerful, and compact—perfect for homeowners like me who want the job done faster without spending a fortune. I still use the bucket and brush method for delicate spots, but for the full deck? That washer saved me hours. If you’re on the fence, check out why I picked this exact one right here.

What About Moss or Mold? Here’s My Trick

When I had areas of green mossy buildup or little spots of mold, I didn’t panic or reach for bleach right away. Instead, I used a mixture of white vinegar and water (50/50) in a spray bottle. I sprayed it generously on the affected areas and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, I gave it a scrub with a deck brush and rinsed with the hose.

This method works great and is less harsh than bleach, which can damage wood or plants nearby. If you’re dealing with stubborn mildew, you might want to check out the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner—it’s designed for algae, mold, and mildew and works great on decks too.

A Good Old Deck Seal: Don’t Skip It

Once your deck is clean and fully dry, one thing I always recommend—seal it! Especially if you went through all this work without a pressure washer, protecting that surface is the final step to keep it looking good and easier to clean next time.

I usually use a clear wood sealant and apply it with a brush or roller. It not only repels water but also helps prevent mold and algae from sticking again. It’s especially helpful in shady spots or where rain tends to collect. If you’ve got questions about preventing algae buildup, I wrote about it here:
👉 How to Prevent Algae Growth on Vinyl Siding — it applies to decks too!